Spike Milligan (1918-2002) was a famous British comedian, poet,
writer and musician. His wild imagination and madcap humour had a
timeless appeal that continues to delight audiences of all ages to
this day.
Spike (Terence Alan) was born to British parents in India, where
his father, an army captain, was stationed in Poona (Pune). The
family lived in India and Rangoon (Yangon) before returning to
Britain when Spike was twelve.
When the Second World War (as Spike called it, the Adolf Hitler
Show) began, he enlisted and served in the 56th Heavy Regiment as a
signaller. During his time in the army he joined the Bill Hall Trio
and performed for the troops.
He is perhaps best known for creating, writing and performing the
popular 1950s BBC Radio show The Goon Show. He has written several
story books and poetry for children. His novels include Puckoon,
and he produced seven volumes of war memoirs.
Badjelly the Witch, which Spike wrote for his daughter Jane, was
first published in 1973. It was performed on BBC radio in England,
and later on Radio New Zealand's Sunday morning children's
programme.
Spike was awarded an honorary knighthood and CBE for his services
to entertainment, and also the British Comedy Awards' Lifetime
Achievement Award. A BBC poll voted him as the 'funniest person of
the last 1000 years'. His poem 'On the Ning Nang Nong' was voted
Britain's funniest poem.
Spike died at the age of 83 and his tombstone inscription - 'I told
you I was ill' - ensures that he will forever be remembered first
and foremost as a comic genius.
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